Orlando Bear Bash

The Orlando Bear Bash, an annual party for bears, leather enthusiasts, and their admirers, will be held this year at the host hotel, the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld (10100 International Dr., 407-352-1100), from September 26 to September 29. The theme for this year's party is "A Pirate's Treasure," and each of the parties and get-togethers will have a pirate/bear theme.

The events start at the Doubletree Hotel with registration at the Lakes Conference Center from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 26. There will also be a vendor fair in the same area with various bear-themed and leather items which will run concurrently, until 11 p.m. An underwear-only welcome party, "Booty Call," will be held in the conference center between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m., with a pool party happening afterwards until 1 a.m. Each night there will also be racy "after parties," which stretch on until 4 a.m.

In the mornings from Friday to Sunday, each day starts off with a Bearmosa Breakfast (not included in the event pass, so this will cost extra). On Friday, September 27, there will be a number of pool parties (noon to 5 p.m., 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.) and other events, such as the Big Bear Game Show, which starts at 5:30 p.m. Famed Orlando drag queen Gidget Galore will be hosting a contest which will test your trivia knowledge and your muscle. Afterwards, enjoy a Dive-In Movie, starting at 9 p.m. The movie that will be screened is the cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." After the movie, there will be a leather and cigar social poolside starting at 11 p.m.

On Saturday the main event is the BLU (Bear, Leather, Uniform) Ball. This is the signature fetish event of the entire weekend, so wear your costumes and bring your gear and prepare yourself for a hot time. DJ Barney Philly will be the host DJ for this specific event. The BLU Ball will be held in the conference center from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Another leather cigar social lingers poolside at 11 p.m. as well.Sunday is the final day of the bash, and all the remaining bears are invited to go to Universal Studios together for Halloween Horror Nights. This will cost extra. Please be ready to go to the park at 7 p.m.

There are additional smaller and optional events, which are outlined at OrlandoBearBash.com. Go to the website if you'd like to purchase an all-inclusive entry to the main events, which as of press time costs $95. The website also has a special Bear Bash discount on hotel rooms at the host hotel.